Ospreys flanker Justin Tipuric has been banned for three weeks for a dangerous tackle during the RaboDirect Pro12 match with Munster on October 8.

Tipuric was shown a yellow card during the second half of Ospreys' victory at Thomond Park and was later cited for a dangerous "tip" tackle, contrary to Law 10.4 (j). An independent disciplinary committee upheld the citing, considering it to have warranted a red card, and banned Tipuric for three weeks.

The sanction could have been more severe but the committee considered it to be on the low end of the International Rugby Board's scale of offending and also recognised the player's "helpful attitude" and his withdrawal from last weekend's Anglo-Welsh Cup clash with Exeter Chiefs.

Tipuric is free to resume playing on October 31 and has the right of appeal.

Ospreys chief operations Officer Andrew Hore said: "We are satisfied with the way the citing was dealt with, and the manner in which the hearing was held, and believe that the whole experience is a justification of the decision to introduce independent disciplinary procedures."

Munster prop BJ Botha has been cleared of headbutting Richard Hibbard during the same match. The South African, who won 25 caps for the Springboks, had been cited for allegedly striking an opponent with his head during the match at Thomond Park. However the disciplinary hearing dismissed the charges.

The Ospreys won the game 17-13 as they maintained their strong start to the season and their place at the summit of the table.